JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu

Refurbished in 2013, the impeccable JW Marriott Mumbai features gleaming marble tiles and contemporary furnishings in sophisticated neutral tones throughout its large lobby. Abstract art prints and several swanky bar and dining areas are further reflections of the hotel’s updated look. However, the sculpted grounds, gated entrance, and large double staircases still retain some old-fashioned grandeur. Breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea are a bonus. Don’t be surprised to see the occasional Bollywood celebrity on-site amid the clientele of business travelers and leisure guests.

With plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby, the hotel’s location on the famous Juhu Beach in the western suburbs isn’t isolated. However, it’s still a good 30-minute drive from the city center and 40 minutes by car to the lively South Mumbai scene. Most attractions require a taxi to reach, as sites like the Haji Ali Mosque, Colaba Market, and the Gateway of India are all 30 to 50 minutes away by car. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. The hotel provides free airport shuttles. 

The standard Deluxe Rooms aren’t spacious, but large windows and mirrors make them feel bigger. Cream, tan, and brown hues dominate the simple but sleek furnishings, while chaise lounges and warm lighting add cozy comfort. Most rooms provide gorgeous sea views, though none have balconies. Larger Premium Rooms and Suites have similar furnishings, and come with Executive Lounge access, from where even better views can be enjoyed. Some Suites have kitchen amenities including microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, and cooking utensils. All air-conditioned rooms have soundproofed walls, plasma-screen TVs, glass-topped work desks with electric outlets, iPod docks, and safes. Wi-Fi is impressively fast, but daily fees apply if guests aren’t hotel rewards members (it's free to join.) Tea-and coffee-making facilities, minibars, free bottled water, and ironing equipment are provided. Extra cribs, newspapers, and electric adaptors can be requested. Several rooms are also mobility accessible.  Bathrooms are small, but their marble furnishings are decidedly upscale. Glass doors separate the toilet, shower, and sink areas, so there’s limited privacy. Deluxe bathrooms have walk-in showers with handheld and rainfall showerheads. Rooms in higher categories have tubs with whirlpools. Lighted makeup mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers are available. 

There are excellent features to be found here. Food, though pricey, gets rave reviews, especially the breakfast buffet at the airy, 24-hour Lotus Restaurant. The lavish spread includes croissants, waffles, Indian specialties, and made-to-order stations. Continental or full American breakfasts are also available, but all options come with substantial fees. Modern Asian cuisine and cocktails are matched by trendy, Asian-inspired decor at Dashanzi. Saffron serves rich North Indian dishes in a classic, white-tablecloth environment. Italian favorites and romantic, dim lighting are offered at Mezzo Mezzo. All restaurants require reservations, and some have dress codes. The more casual Bombay Baking Company Company serves sandwiches and pastries. Reflections bar, with dowdy sofas and generic tables, is the most dated space of the bunch, but has a solid beverage selection. 24-hour room service is available.  The hotel has direct access to Juhu Beach, which isn’t the cleanest for swimming, but makes for lovely strolls. Guests can swim in the outdoor infinity or saltwater pools. Bright blue lounge chairs, sunny yellow umbrellas, and palm trees make the pool area inviting, though there’s no poolside bar. Towels are provided, and there’s also a kids’ pool. Other child-friendly features include movie nights, kids’ brunches (for extra fees), a playroom, and babysitting services (also for fees).  The hotel’s well-maintained gym is exceptional and offers fitness classes for fees. The Quan Spa is another popular amenity, with therapy baths, a sauna, Ayurvedic treatments, and massages.Guests with Executive Lounge access get free all-day snacks and extra seating or work space. The 24-hour, staffed business center is open to everyone. Thirteen meeting rooms offer audiovisual equipment and internet access. Wedding planning services are also available. Other features include a bookstore, beauty salon, newsstand, and florist. Laundry services are available. Valet or self-parking is free, as is Wi-Fi in all common areas.